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I just talked to Brandon Moore, who was released by the 49ers earlier Sunday. He was matter of fact, although he did admit to being surprised. Moore has always been classy in his dealings with the media. He’s been available and thoughtful in his answers, and obviously never shied away from the tough interview. Here’s what he had to say.

Brandon Moore out, Takeo Spikes in?

Why did this happen: “I guess they wanted to go in a different direction and I wasn’t in their future plans.”

Is that what they told you: “Not in so many words. Obviously I didn’t have the year I wanted to have last year and Patrick had a great year.”

What do you mean you didn’t have the year you wanted to have: “I could only control my part and obviously, I didn’t play as much as I wanted. In was one of those situations where I would have loved to play more.”

Do you think they cut you to make room for somebody else like Takeo Spikes: “Yes. I think that’s probably the direction they want to go.”

You came from being undrafted to a starter, do you reflect on that at a time like this: “I’m thankful to the 49ers. They allowed me to accomplish some of my goals.”

Is this an opportunity for you: “Yes. Its a situation where you want to go where you are celebrated, not tolerated. In many ways, I look at this as a gift.”

I never quite understood the 49ers handling of Moore after the 2006 season when he led them in tackles with 114 and sacks with 6.5. He was also named the Matt Hazeltine winner, awarded to the most courageous and inspirational defensive player by vote of his teammates.

Nevertheless, Patrick Willis was drafted and rightly took over at the mike, which is where Moore had played. But at 240, I figured Moore would move over to play in Derek Smith’s spot at the “ted” particularly after Smith started to struggle there. But that never happened.

The “ted” is a different position that calls upon the linebacker to play over the guard or center and occupy blockers so the “mike” can make tackles. But the ted also must tackle and play in coverage. Obviously, the 49ers coaches didn’t think he could handle that position and that’s why they made Jeff Ulbrich the starter there.

The last part of the interview was interesting. I heard last week that the Spikes talks were heating up and wouldn’t be surprised if he or somebody else was signed soon. Stay tuned.